All schools across Fiji will be closed today, as worsening weather conditions continue to affect many parts of the country.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has announced the nationwide closure following consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office and the Fiji Meteorological Service.
The Ministry says while earlier assessments indicated that schools could operate as normal, the latest weather forecasts and reports received overnight indicate a significant deterioration in conditions.
The persistent heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal inundation and flooding continue to affect many parts of Fiji, with several flood-prone areas already impacted and further flooding expected this morning.
The Ministry says that, with the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and school communities as its highest priority, all schools throughout Fiji will be closed today.
Tertiary institutions are encouraged to make their own decisions based on the situation.
Radrodro says the precautionary decision has been made to minimise unnecessary travel and reduce the risk to students, teachers and families as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
He is strongly urging parents and guardians to keep children safely at home and not attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, creeks or rivers, or travel through affected areas.
Heads of Schools have also been requested to remain in close communication with their School Management Committees and District Education Offices, continue monitoring local conditions and report any weather-related impacts to school facilities through the appropriate channels.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the NDRMO, the Fiji Meteorological Service and other relevant authorities, will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
They say that further advice on the reopening of schools will be issued when it is safe to do so.
The Education Minister has thanked parents, guardians, school leaders, teachers, students and the wider public for their understanding, cooperation and continued support, saying the decision was made with the safety and wellbeing of Fiji's children and school communities as the highest priority.
